Most people think of a vacation in Spain as a summer vacation, but the fact is there is plenty to do in Spain at any every time of the year. So many attractions to see and things to do that it will not matter when you are there.
If you are into nature and outdoor activities, you will find skiing, water sports, hiking and rock climbing. If you prefer culture and history, visit the many museums, old churches, castles and fortresses. There are festivals in every part of the country at just about any time of the year, where you can learn about the culture of the region.
Don’t think outdoor activities in Spain can only be enjoyed during the summer months. There is plenty for the outdoor enthusiast any time of year. Each season has wonderful activities to offer you, depending on which location you visit. Although the sun and the sand of the areas surrounding the Mediterranean, such as the Costa Blanca and the Costa Del Sol, are the main attraction during the summer and lure crowds of vacationers during the months of June through September, there are many other things to do there. There are resorts offering all kinds of activities, and spas where you can relax and rejuvenate your spirits. You can find these kinds of spas and resorts all over Spain, in small towns as well as in big city centers. One of the most notorious summer events in Spain is the famous “running of the bulls”, which takes place in July. Adventurous sorts from all over the world come to Spain to participate in this event and test their speed against that of the bulls. You can try to do that yourself, or you can just watch from the sidelines. The best part for everyone are the festivities that take place after wards.
Spain has many mountainous areas, and skiing is therefore a popular past time. There are top ski resorts located in Spain in such areas as Catabunya, Malaga, Torremolinos and Aragon. The ski season can run from early winter through spring, with the late spring months especially popular for the warm spring skiing.
For something a little different, try rock climbing. This is a very popular outdoor sport in Spain, and many areas of the country have sites that draw avid climbers. If you are experienced, you may want to put together a group of climbers, or you can join an organized tour if you don’t have much experience. Many of the organized tours will include some basic lessons in rock climbing, so it is perfect if this is something you have always wanted to try.
For the more culturally inclined, Spain has a large number of world famous museums all around the country. The main cities such as Barcelona and Madrid of course have a number of large museums, but smaller cities also have many museums that exhibit the art and history of Spain throughout the ages. This is one of the best ways to understand and appreciate the culture of the region you are visiting.
If you visit Spain in the spring, you will want to be sure to attend some of the Holy Week festivities. Since Spain is a mostly Catholic country, the week leading to Easter is full of pageantry and processions. Every town, big or small is sure to have a procession or passion play. The passion, death and resurrection of Christ is depicted in these activities. Catholics from all over Spain attend the Holy Week processions, and many non-Catholics attend to experience the beauty and art of this custom.